The research team from the University of Edinburgh focused on a biological system called Rtc, which is possessed by some types of bacteria. This system works to repair damaged ribonucleic acid (RNA) within the bacterial cell, which is the molecule responsible for translating the genetic code into functional proteins.
By repairing this vital molecule, bacteria are able to maintain protein production and continue to grow even when exposed to antibiotics.
The study revealed a crucial finding: bacterial responses to antibiotics are unpredictable, due to variations in the effectiveness of the Rtc repair system from one bacterial cell to another. This observation suggests the potential for developing targeted therapies that disrupt this defense system, significantly enhancing the ability of current antibiotics to eradicate infections.
In their study, the researchers relied on an integrated methodology that combined advanced computer modeling and precise laboratory experiments on Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which is known for its ability to develop resistance to antibiotic
Commenting on the importance of this discovery, Dr. Andrea Wise, the research team leader, explained: "Bacteria are intelligent organisms that continue to develop their defenses against our antibiotics. What we are doing today is trying to understand their defense mechanisms precisely, because this understanding will enable us to develop smarter methods to eliminate them and treat infections more effectively."
The impact of this discovery is not limited to revealing the complex survival strategies used by bacteria, but also paves the way for the development of a new generation of treatments capable of addressing the problem of antimicrobial resistance that threatens global health.